Industry committee  Some people are hurting, including the carriers. They absolutely need help. In order to restructure the industry, support will need to be provided. Let's not forget that, in the resource regions, the industry did get help. It wasn't the companies that grew the forest. They are given that timber, with very little to pay in way of royalties.

Industry committee  First of all, this vision is not based on a dream. It is based on a reality: the Government of Quebec wants to maximize fibre and reduce impacts. This morning, we talked about green energy and the environment. Imagine that a log leaves Montreal bound for Ottawa. It has to be completely processed here, because of the cost.

Industry committee  In terms of fibre maximization, we believe we have everything we need for that to be realized in Dolbeau-Mistassini. With respect to financial integration, AbitibiBowater is not expecting to operate this kind of complex. We would like AbitibiBowater to be a partner with the other players and share the stock ownership of these companies which are interested in operating, for example, a power generating station, a cogeneration plant, pellet plant, ethanol plant—anything and everything.

Industry committee  We didn't have to approach investors, because some of them contacted us. But it's important to understand AbitibiBowater's current circumstances. Prior to September 14, whatever discussions were underway, it was as though we were playing cards, except that we didn't have any cards in our hand.

Industry committee  That's exactly what I was saying earlier. It was the case for Mr. Weaver and for those who succeeded him. In Dolbeau-Mistassini, we wanted to produce book paper and circular paper. Today we're told that is no longer possible, and yet they're taking our resource and sending it somewhere else.

Industry committee  No. In late May, I met with Mr. Rougeau and we agreed on a certain number of things. We were supposed to bring forward potential solutions. They are right in that respect. However, as I was saying, it was impossible to prepare a business plan with people who didn't know whether or not they would have control over supply.

Industry committee  Is asset consolidation possible, as Mr. Lachapelle mentioned, but smart consolidation? In our region, we have the necessary supply. In our opinion, it's ridiculous to process our wood chips 400 kilometres away from our region. It's like having a spring but being unable to drink from it.

Industry committee  Mr. Lachapelle talked about that.

Industry committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, would like to thank the Committee on Industry, Science and Technology for inviting me to appear this afternoon to present the concerns of the Town of Dolbeau-Mistassini and the entire RCM of Maria-Chapdelaine regarding the closure of the AbitibiBowater paper mill.